Ptolemy XII Auletes

An illegitimate son of Ptolemy IX, he spent years as a hostage in Pontus after his family's civil war tore the dynasty apart. Recalled in 80 BC when his cousin was killed, he took the throne while his brother got Cyprus — a lesser prize that would prove fatal. He married a relative, likely his sister Cleopatra V, and fathered at least six children, including Berenice IV and Cleopatra VII. When Rome annexed Cyprus in 58 BC and his brother killed himself, the Egyptian people turned on him. Deposed, he fled to Rome and bought his way back with their legions in 55 BC, executing Berenice for taking…